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MUSIC AT ST MICHAEL’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
The study of music within a school context can be one of the most enjoyable educational experiences for students. There are many benefits. Studies consistently show that the impact of a full and rich music program during primary and secondary years of education contributes not only to a student’s capacity to learn, but to their wellbeing, self-esteem, and confidence.
At St Michael’s, music is a vital part of a well-rounded and holistic approach to learning. Students in ELC to Year 12 participate in classroom music programs, with many students performing regularly as soloists and as part of our ensemble program. Our programs encourage students to develop ways of thinking that are not only particular to music, but that will assist them throughout their lifetime.
This Handbook ensures a common understanding of the minimum standards for the St Michael’s music programs and should be used alongside regular communication between School staff, students, and parents to achieve best outcomes. We welcome any opportunity to speak with you and encourage you to contact us with any enquiries regarding Performing Arts opportunities at St Michael’s.
Performing Arts Centre
4 Chapel Street, St Kilda 3182
Phone: 8530 3251
Email: performingarts@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Opening hours: 8.00am to 4.pm, Monday to Friday
EXTRA-CURRICULAR PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION
Weekly, individual private music lessons are available through the Private Music Program to students from Prep to Year 12. Private lessons are offered on a termly fee basis and are additional to the Curricular and Cocurricular Music programs offered to students at St Michael’s. Private music lessons are not offered to students in the Early Learning Centre.
Instrument Choices
Tuition is available on the following instruments to students in Prep to Year 12, except where minimum year levels are specified for recommended commencement. The Heads of Music may be contacted regarding alternative commencement ages We recommend that students in Prep to Year 2 learn no more than one instrument and students in Years 3 to 6 learn no more than two instruments simultaneously.
INSTRUMENT FROM PREP FROM YEAR 2 FROM YEAR 3 FROM YEAR 4 FROM YEAR 5 Strings
Enrolment Process
Parents/guardians must complete the 2025 Private Music Enrolment Form
Once the Enrolment Form has been processed by the Performing Arts Administrator, the assigned Music Tutor will contact their new student’s parents prior to the first lesson.
Individual Lesson Fees for 2025
Anticipating that students will remain enrolled for the full school year; Music Tutors schedule their lesson timetables in order to deliver 34 lessons by the end of Term 4. This provides flexibility around compulsory school activities, such as sports carnivals, major school events, Exodus, etc.
The School will bill students’ School Accounts on four occasions in the school year for the anticipated number of lessons for that term. Full reconciliation will take place at the end of the school year
30 minutes Beginner students or AMEB Grades Preliminary to 2
* Fees and delivery of lesson quotas are subject to change annually at the discretion of the School. Parents will be notified via email regarding fee increases.
Years 6 and 7 Paired Tuition Program
Students in Years 6 and 7, who do not already learn an instrument OR have not learnt their selected instrument before, have the opportunity to enrol in paired instrumental lessons at a reduced fee Enrolments will be accepted throughout Term 1 only. Lessons will run from Term 2-4 2025.
Paired lessons are offered for Term 2-4 2025 only. If the student would like to continue instrumental lessons after this time, then they will transition into individual lessons.
Paired lessons are offered for the following instruments:
• Violin, viola, cello, double bass
• Flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone
• French horn, euphonium, tuba
• Guitar
• Harp
• Voice
Years 6 and 7 Paired Tuition Program Eligibility
The Years 6 and 7 Paired Tuition Program is open to:
• Students in Year 6 who do not learn an instrument
• Students in Year 7 who do not learn an instrument
• Students who currently play another instrument but have not learnt their selected instrument before. For example, the student already plays piano, but would like to enrol in paired lessons on clarinet
Please note that students will only be paired with those from their own year level.
2025 Years 6 and 7 Paired Tuition Program Fees
Anticipating that students will remain enrolled for the full three term (Terms 2-4); Music Tutors schedule their lesson timetables in order to deliver 26 lessons by the end of Term 4. This provides flexibility around compulsory school activities, such as sports carnivals, major school events, Exodus, etc.
The School will bill students’ School Accounts on three occasions in the school year for the anticipated number of lessons for that term. Full reconciliation will take place at the end of the school year.
Because of the shared nature of lessons, if a student is absent for a scheduled shared instrumental lesson, the lesson cannot be made up for the absentee.
Lesson Duration
Beginner students usually start off with a 30-minute lesson. As the student progresses, the Music Tutor may suggest an increase in lesson length The Performing Arts Administrator will email the student’s parent for consideration and authorisation. Authorised adjustments to lesson length are usually actioned to commence from the start of the following school term.
Timetables and Lesson Scheduling
In Term 1, private music lessons usually commence in Week 2 or Week 3 In Terms 2 – 4, lessons resume in Week 1 of the term.
Most individual lessons are scheduled between 8.30am-3.30pm. Classroom teachers are required to release students for scheduled private music lessons.
Prior to enrolment, parents should carefully consider their child’s availability and flexibility to attend private music lessons in class time, during school hours.
Music Tutor Lesson Timetables
Most of the School’s Music Tutors work part-time, and lessons will be scheduled according to their availability. Music Tutors prepare their timetables and contact parents and students regarding lesson scheduling prior to the commencement of each term Music Tutors each have a SchoL page (accessible here) and student timetables are available in their e-Diary.
Prep to Year 6 Lesson Scheduling
Music Tutors will timetable private music lessons for Prep to Year 6 students on a fixed or rotating time, usually on the same day of the week. Fixed lesson times for individual students may be accommodated providing that the Music Tutor is able to avoid Specialist curricular class times The Music Tutor will arrange this in communication with the student’s parents/guardians and Classroom Teacher.
Years 7 to 12 Lesson Scheduling
The Music Faculty’s preference is to offer Years 7 to 12 students a fixed lesson time that falls on the same day and time each week.
Requests by parents for a rotating lesson time for individual students may be accommodated providing that the Music Tutor is able to facilitate the rotation in their lesson timetable. Similarly, a Music Tutor may make the recommendation of a rotating lesson time, if they deem that this will be beneficial for the student.
Prioritised Lesson Times
Timetabling requirements for students in higher year levels, particularly those undertaking VCE subjects, are prioritised. Music Tutors will endeavour to schedule fixed times for these students during their House Periods, Recess or Lunchtime
Before and after school times may be an option but are nominated solely at the discretion of the Music Tutor based on their availability for out-of-hours timetabling. Special requests for lesson times will be considered by Music Tutors but may not be able to be accommodated due to other scheduling constraints.
Blockout Periods
It is School policy that no lessons take place during Eucharist, Chapel, Sport or mandatory School events. Where scheduled lessons are impacted by an excursion or compulsory School event, Music Tutors will offer a rescheduled time with the student.
Additional Lessons
We are committed to providing a minimum of 34 lessons per year Additional lessons may be available where the full quota of 34 lessons has been delivered prior to the end of Term 4. In this case, the Performing Arts Administrator will email parents with details regarding additional lessons and the associated fees. With parental authorisation, these fees will be added to the student’s School Account after the conclusion of Term 4 so that the number of additional lessons delivered may first be determined.
Student Absence
It is expected that students attend each lesson, prepared with their instrument (if applicable), music books and all necessary equipment
Students are required to sign in and out of their music lessons at attendance terminals in the Performing Arts Centre or Marlton Reception. A roll is also taken by Music Tutors to record student attendance.
If a student has a physical injury, but is still able to attend school, private music lessons will go ahead, and lesson content will be modified. Should this be the case, parents are required to notify the Music Tutor and Performing Arts Administrator performingarts@stmichaels.vic.edu.au This may mean that theory, music analysis and aural work is covered in lieu of practical work.
Missed Lessons
Lessons are rescheduled (or if not able to be rescheduled, families will not be charged) when:
• Public holidays and/or pupil-free days occur on the day of the lesson
• The Music Tutor is absent on the day of the lesson
• There is a compulsory school activity (e.g. Astor Assemblies, Junior School Assemblies, Exodus, excursion, NAPLAN, SACs, Examinations) as stated in the School Calendar This does not include Quadrant or House assemblies, House activities or incursions
In the Junior School, music lessons take precedence over class tests or Reportable Tasks
In the Senior School, Music Tutors will attempt to reschedule a lesson that clashes with a test or Reportable Task on the condition that the student provides at least one week’s notice. If the lesson cannot be rescheduled, the student should attend their music lesson at the original time.
Any undelivered lessons are carried over from term to term within the same calendar year. A full reconciliation will take place at the end of the year.
Lessons are forfeited (and families charged) when:
• The student is absent from school due to an illness or an appointment
• The student is involved in another co-curricular activity
• Family/private holidays are taken during term time
Teaching Rooms
Instrumental music lessons are delivered in various locations across the School campus:
• Allan Pizzey Music Pods
• Performing Arts Centre (Music Manse building) adjacent to St George’s
• Teaching pods adjacent to St George’s
• Teaching rooms located at the rear of St George’s
Lessons for students in Prep to Year 6 are mostly scheduled in the Allan Pizzey Music Pods. Lessons for Years 7 to 12 students may be scheduled in any of the above-listed teaching spaces, depending on room availability.
Purchasing Resources
All students receiving instrumental music lessons will require support materials, including technical work books, exam grade books, sheet music, theory books, and sundry items including reeds, strings and other equipment to support learning.
These resources are usually ordered by the Music Tutor on behalf of the student, the cost of which will be billed to the student’s School Account. Parents provide their consent for this billing via submission of the Private Music Enrolment Form.
Parents should email their child’s Music Tutor if they would like to request alternative arrangements for the purchase of music resources.
Instrument Hire
Students who take up instrumental studies must have regular access to an instrument at home in order to progress and maintain lesson momentum. For piano students, this should be an acoustic piano or a eightoctave weighted keyboard.
Future Music Australia - Hire and Purchase Options:
To assist students seeking to hire or purchase an instrument, the School has worked with Future Music Australia to shortlist a selection of beginner, intermediate and advancing models across most instrument categories. Families who hire their instrument (including the Year 5 Band Stream) through Future Music Australia also have the option to purchase it at any stage of the hire period. Instrument options and hire/purchase information can be viewed on the Future Music Australia website at:
St Michael's Instrument Rental (futuremusic.com.au)
St Michael’s Music Tutors, and Future Music Australia staff, are happy to provide guidance with the instrument selection process.
Communication
A quality learning experience is facilitated by regular communication between a student’s parents and their Music Tutor. Every reasonable effort is made by the Music Faculty to support the learning pathways for students, and parents are encouraged to contact their child’s Music Tutor with any queries or concerns they may have about any aspects regarding their child’s learning. Music Tutors are best contacted via email, given that they are teaching throughout the School day.
For further assistance, parents are also welcome to contact the Heads of Music to discuss their child’s involvement in the Private Music Program.
Assessment and Reporting
At the end of each semester, Music Tutors provide written reports regarding the progress of each student to encourage reflection and evaluation.
Discontinuation and Enrolment Adjustment
After a student’s initial enrolment in the Private Music Program, tuition with the student’s assigned Music Tutor is delivered on an ongoing basis (including from year-to-year).
A student’s parent/guardian must email notice to performingarts@stmichaels.vic.edu.au by the deadlines listed below if they would like to request for their child to:
• discontinue music lessons; or
• adjust lesson length; or
• transfer to a different Music Tutor; or
• change to a different instrument (if taught by a different Music Tutor)
All fees owing will be charged to the family’s School Account without exception until notice has been received as per this policy. Notice received later than the relevant deadline will be recorded to take effect for the following term. Notification provided to the Music Tutor is not sufficient.
To assist the Music Faculty in improving its programs, feedback regarding the reason for discontinuation is most appreciated.
DISCONTINUATION TERM
Cease lessons at end of Term 1 2025
Cease lessons at end of Term 2 2025
Cease lessons at end of Term 3 2025
Cease lessons at end of Term 4 2025
Discontinuation of Lessons for Year 12 Students
EMAILED NOTICE DUE NO LATER THAN
Friday 21 March 2025
Friday 13 June 2025
Friday 5 September 2025
Friday 5 December 2025
In observance of Valedictory activities and VCE examinations, Year 12 students who are not undertaking VCE Music will have their instrumental music enrolment automatically discontinued at the end of Term 3.
Year 12 students enrolled in VCE Music Repertoire Performance who receive lessons at School on their instrument major will continue to receive private music lessons until mid-Term 4 to assist with final preparations for their assessed VCE Performance Recital.
Parents may request additional lessons beyond these automatic Year 12 discontinuation dates by emailing performingarts@stmichaels.vic.edu.au .
External Examinations
The Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) is one of the most respected assessment and reporting organisations in the fields of music and speech and is highly regarded nationally and internationally. The grading system sets the benchmark for entry into tertiary music performance courses and is widely recognised as the accepted standard. Their syllabuses are regularly reviewed.
We encourage all students to consider preparing for an AMEB examination This assists in cultivating the skills necessary to be successful as a solo and group performer. Exams are designed to assess the student’s ability in a number of areas, including:
• Performance of repertoire
• Technical work
• Sight reading
• General knowledge of pieces
• Aural
AMEB Examination Dates
There are various examination sessions throughout the year between April and December. We recommend that students prepare consistently for six months prior to examination. Session dates are listed on the AMEB’s website
Examination Enrolment
Upon recommendation by the Music Tutor, the Performing Arts Administrator will email the parents of a nominated student with proposed enrolment details and associated fees. Following enrolment, the examination entry fee and accompanist fees (if required) will be added to the student’s School Account.
Parents need to arrange transport for their child to and from the examination venue (usually at the AMEB Studios in Hawthorn), details of which will be confirmed once the examination date and time have been scheduled by the AMEB.
Examinations are scheduled between 9am-6pm, Monday to Sunday, except gazetted public holidays. Requests to avoid particular dates may be put to the AMEB, and these will only be considered (not guaranteed) by the AMEB if related to religious holidays, school examinations, school camps, curriculum days, special events or exceptional situations.
In the case of withdrawal, no refund will be given by the AMEB. In the case of illness (substantiated by a medical certificate), the candidate will be offered the opportunity to reschedule their examination to a later date within the same year upon payment of a rescheduling fee equivalent to 50% of the examination fee.
A request for a rescheduled examination within the same year on non-medical grounds will incur an additional AMEB rescheduling fee, equivalent to 75% of the published examination fee.
Entries made after the AMEB closing date attract an additional fee. More information about the AMEB, including fees and requests for specific examination dates can be found on their website.
Accompanists for AMEB Candidates
All AMEB candidates require an accompanist for their examination, except those sitting for piano, percussion or guitar Up to three rehearsals are usually required in the lead-up to the examination.
Unless requested otherwise by a candidate’s parent, the Music Faculty will automatically arrange an accompanist for the examination and rehearsals, as required. The accompanist will be in touch with students and parents to confirm rehearsal times.
Accompaniment fees will be billed to the student’s School Account, as follows:
CURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAMS
Year 3 Instrumental Music Program
The Year 3 Instrumental Music Program is a curricular program in which all Year 3 students engage in small group instrumental music lessons under the guidance of Music Tutors. In Term 1, the students trial the violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and percussion and will be required to rank the four instruments they would most like to study, of which one will be allocated.
After the selections have been finalised, the students will be divided into small groups (determined by their instrument preferences and group balance) and will participate in one 30-minute shared lesson per week.
For students who are already currently learning an instrument that is offered as a part of this program, we recommend that they continue to learn that instrument privately and select a second instrument to study for the Year 3 Instrumental Music Program. There is no instrument-hire fee.
The lessons will occur at the following times:
• Year 3 Dora Beatrice – Thursday 11.00-11.30am
• Year 3 Eudora – Thursday 11.30am-12.00pm
Year 5 Performing Arts Program
The Year 5 Performing Arts Program is a curricular program involving all Year 5 students and comprises three streams (Dance, Drama and Band) which run simultaneously on Wednesdays 1.15pm-2.15pm. Students nominate their preferences in Term 1.
The Dance Stream is based on contemporary styles of dance and is open to students who have varying prior dance experience.
The Drama Stream is open to students who are interested in extending their drama experience.
The Band Stream is a fee-based program, and eligibility requirements are outlined below. In addition to the band lesson, the students engage in a weekly 30-minute shared instrumental lesson with their Music Tutor.
Year 5 Band Stream Eligibility
The Band stream is open to:
• Students who wish to learn an instrument for the first time
• Students who currently only learn piano or voice
• Students who currently learn an instrument outside of the School
• Students who have brief past experience learning a band instrument for one year or less (e.g. in the Year 3 Instrumental Music Program but discontinued in Year 4)
Students who are not eligible to participate in the Band stream:
• Students who are already enrolled in the Private Music Program on a band instrument or string instrument
• Students who are currently in the Junior Band
Band Stream Instrument Trials and Enrolment
Instrument trials take place during Term 1 for students who are interested in joining the Band Stream. Students will be provided with an Instrument Selection Form on which they may nominate three instrument preferences in discussion with their parents The form will also be posted on the Year 5 Cluster page on SchoL. On receipt of the Instrument Selection and online Enrolment Form, the School will finalise instrument selections and groups.
Our selection of beginner instruments suitable for students in the Year 5 Band Stream can be viewed on the Future Music Australia Year 5 website.
Acknowledging the higher cost of oboes, French horns, euphoniums and tubas, the School has a small number of these instruments that may be hired at a subsidised rate for the year of enrolment in the Year 5 Band Stream. The School stock is older than what’s offered through Future Music and will only be available for hire for the duration of the Year 5 Performing Arts Program (Terms 2-4 2025). After this time, any students who continue with private tuition on their instrument will need to hire or purchase an instrument externally.
Students wishing to cease their school instrument hire should return their instrument before the conclusion of the school term to avoid further termly hire charges. Instruments should be returned to the Performing Arts Reception, Marlton Reception or to the Music Tutor.
2025 Band Stream Fees
Due to the weekly 30-minute shared instrumental lessons that take place during Terms 2-4 (26 lessons in total in 2025), the Band Stream will attract an annual fee of $828.80 in 2025, billed in three instalments If a student is absent for a scheduled shared instrumental lesson, the lesson cannot be made up for the absentee.
VCE Music Units 1-2 and VCE Music Repertoire Performance Units 3- 4
VCE Lesson Subsidy
Students who are enrolled in private music lessons at St Michael’s, and who undertake VCE Music Units 1 to 4 on that instrument, receive a 60-minute weekly lesson for the cost of a 30-minute lesson. This subsidy is provided by St Michael’s to enable these students to cover the technical requirements of this higher level of study.
Year 12 VCE Music Repertoire Performance students who receive private music lessons at School will commence lessons in Weeks 1 or 2 of Term 1 and receive a lesson each week until mid-Term 4 Any additional lessons required towards the end of the year can be organised as required and billed to the student’s School Account pro rata.
Fortnightly Rehearsals with School Accompanist
All students enrolled in VCE Music Performance Units 1 to 4 have access to fortnightly rehearsals with a School Accompanist, if required. This support is offered irrespective of whether the student receives private music lessons through the School. Rehearsals are scheduled by the School Accompanist at a mutually agreeable time and, if possible, during a student’s Private Study Periods, House Period or Lunchtime.
CO-CURRICULAR ENSEMBLE PROGRAM
St Michael’s offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of co-curricular ensembles.
Junior School Ensembles
Marlton Strings
A core learning ensemble for all string players in Prep to Year 6. Specific guidance about an individual student’s readiness to join the ensemble should be sought by the relevant Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.
Ensemble Director: Mr Ross Henderson and Ms Olivia Thorne
Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 12.40-1.10pm in Wilma Hannah Hall
Junior Band
A core learning ensemble for all band instrument players (brass, woodwind and percussion) from the junior years. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday before school, from 7.30-8.20am in Emily Hall
Junior Guitar Ensemble
A core learning ensemble for guitar students from the junior years. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.
Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King
Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday lunchtime, from 12.40-1.10pm in Emily Hall
Junior Clarinet Ensemble
A chamber ensemble for clarinet students in Years 4-6. Students will typically commence in Year 4, but there is provision for younger students to join the ensemble if they are deemed ready by their Music Tutor or the Ensemble Director.
Prerequisite: Junior Clarinet Ensemble students must also be members of Junior Band
Ensemble Director: Mr Andrew East
Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday lunchtime, from 12.40-1.10pm in Wilma Hannah Hall
Junior School Choirs
Harrison Choir (P-2)
An open-entry choir for any interested students in Prep to Year 2. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group. Note that Prep students will not commence in the choir until Term 2.
Choir Directors: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall and Mr David Haywood
Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7.50-8.20am in Emily Hall
Harrison Choir (3-4)
An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 3-4. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group.
Choir Director: Ms Iris Zavou
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40-8.20am in Wilma Hannah Hall
Harrison Choir (5-6)
An open-entry choir for any interested students in Years 5-6. The focus is on engagement through fun repertoire, and elements of student choice, as well as learning to sing effectively together as a group.
Choir Director: Ms Grace Nicastro Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.40-8.20am in the Chapel of St Michael and All Angels
Chamber Choir (3-6)
An auditioned choir for students in Years 3-6. Students in the Chamber Choir will work on a variety of repertoire and develop their skills as music readers and choral singers, whilst still having lots of fun singing together.
Prerequisite: Audition. Students must also be members of the Harrison Choir (3-4) or Harrison Choir (5-6).
Choir Director: Ms Iris Zavou
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7.40-8.20am in Wilma Hannah Hall
Senior School Ensembles
St Michael’s Orchestra
A core learning ensemble for all string players, and an extension ensemble for woodwind, brass and percussion students in Years 7 - 12.
Prerequisite: Audition is required for woodwind, brass and percussion students. Expressions of interest will be considered from interested students.
Ensemble Directors: Ms Frances Walker and Dr Gary Ekkel
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday after school 3.40pm to 5.10pm in St George’s Performing Arts Centre Auditorium (to commence mid May)
Grigoryan Strings
A core learning ensemble for all string players in Years 7-12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning a stringed instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.
Ensemble Director: Mr Ross Henderson
Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7.30-8.40am in MC1
Scholastica Band
A core learning ensemble for all band instrument students (brass, woodwind and percussion) in Years 7-12, and by invitation for extension students in Year 6. Students learning such an instrument at school are expected to participate, whilst those learning outside of school are strongly encouraged to join.
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday before school, from 7.30-8.40am in St George’s Performing Arts Centre Auditorium
Senior Guitar Ensemble
A core learning ensemble for guitar students from Years 7-12.
Ensemble Director: Mr Tony King
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday lunchtime, from 1.35-2.15pm in MC1
Percussion Ensemble
An energetic ensemble for percussion students in Years 7-12.
Ensemble Director: Mr Joseph Batrouney
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday lunchtime, from 1.35-2.15pm in MC3
School of Rock
A rock band program with joint emphasis on performance, song writing and recording. Suitable for guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboard players and vocalists.
Ensemble Directors: Mr Joseph Batrouney, Mr Joshua Fuhrmeister, Mr Tony King
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday after school, from 3.40-5.10pm. Bands will be formed and allocated to a specific day and venue during Term 1.
Musical Orchestra
An extension ensemble for students in Years 8-12, with the purpose of forming the pit orchestra for the Years 10-12 Musical at the National Theatre in May. As such, the requirements of this ensemble will change from year to year, depending on the production selected. Students will be invited to join, and rehearsals will begin in Term 1.
Prerequisite: Participation is by invitation or audition, with expressions of interest also considered from interested students. Only students who are participating in other core St Michael’s ensembles will ordinarily be considered.
Ensemble Director: Mr Ben Moody
Rehearsal Day / Time: Thursday after school, from 4.00pm – 6.00pm in MC3
Stage Band
An extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 7-12. This ensemble will have a flexible line-up to enable participation by a broader range of interested students. For players of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and percussion.
Prerequisite: Entry is by nomination from the Music Tutor and/or Ensemble Director. Brass and woodwind players must also be members of Scholastica Band. Percussionists must also be members of either the Scholastica Band or Percussion Ensemble.
Ensemble Director: Mr Andrew East
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, from 3.40-5.10pm in St George’s Performing Arts Centre
Big Band
An auditioned, extension jazz ensemble for students in Years 9-12. For players of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and percussion.
Prerequisite: Audition. Brass, woodwind and percussion players must also be members of Scholastica Band, the Musical Orchestra or Percussion Ensemble
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday after school, from 3.40-5.10pm in MC1 (From mid Term 2)
Grigoryan String Quartet
An extension ensemble for string students in Years 7-12.
Prerequisite: Participation is by invitation or audition, with expressions of interest also considered from interested students. String players must also be members of Grigoryan Strings.
Ensemble Director: Mr Ross Henderson
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday lunchtime, from 1.45-2.20pm in St George’s Performing Arts Centre Auditorium
Cello Choir
An extension ensemble for cello students in Years 7-12.
Prerequisite: Cello Choir students must also be members of Grigoryan Strings
Ensemble Director: Ms Olivia Thorne
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.30-8.40am in MC1
Wind Ensemble
An ensemble for woodwind students in Years 7-12.
Ensemble Director: Ms Kate Bergen and Ms Ameila Barden
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7.40-8.40pm in MC1
Senior Saxophone Ensemble
An extension ensemble for saxophone students in Years 7-12.
Prerequisite: Senior Saxes students must also be members of Scholastica Band
Ensemble Director: Mr Andrew East
Rehearsal Day / Time: Tuesday lunchtime, from 1.35-2.15pm in St George’s Performing Arts Centre Auditorium
Chamber Brass Ensemble
An extension ensemble for brass students in Years 7-12.
Prerequisite: Brass players must also be members of Scholastica Band.
Ensemble Director: Mr Corey Hall
Rehearsal Day / Time: Monday before school, from 7.40-8.40pm in St George’s Performing Arts Centre Auditorium
Senior School Choirs
Harrison Choir (Years 7 – 9)
An open-entry choir for any interested students from Years 7 - 9. The Harrison Choir (7-9) seeks to engage students by providing exposure to a wide range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire. Periodically, this choir will combine with Harrison Choir (10-12) for performances.
Choir Directors: Mr Daniel Brinsmead
Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7.30-8.40am in MC1
Harrison Choir (Years 10 – 12)
An open-entry choir for any interested students from Years 10 - 12. The Harrison Choir (10-12) seeks to engage students by providing exposure to a wide range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire. Periodically, this choir will combine with Harrison Choir (7-9) for performances.
Choir Directors: Ms Stefanie Dingnis
Rehearsal Day / Time: Wednesday before school, from 7.30-8.40am in St George’s Performing Arts Centre Auditorium
Chamber Choir (7-12)
An auditioned, extension choral program for senior students. The focus is on high quality performance, excellent choral technique and exposure to a diverse range of classical and contemporary choral repertoire. This choir will sing in a range of school performances and at School Eucharists
Prerequisite: Auditioned. Students must also be members of the Harrison Choir (7-9) or Harrison Choir (10-12).
Choir Director: Dr Gary Ekkel and Ms Jennifer Gillan
Rehearsal Day / Time: Friday before school, from 7.30-8.40am in PACA
Director of Performing Arts
FACULTY STAFF
Mr Tyler Hess BA, BEd thess@stmichaels.vic.edu.au / 8530 3305
Head of Music (K-6)
Ms Grace Nicastro Hall AMusA, BMus, BTeach(Hons) gnicastro@stmichaels.vic.edu.au / 8530 3248
Head of Music (7-12)
Ms Frances Walker BMus(Hons), BA, MTeach(Sec), LMusA(Dist), AmusA frwalker@stmichaels.vic.edu.au / 9544 3474
Head of Choral Music
Dr Gary Ekkel LMusA, BA(Hons), DipEd., MMus, PhDMus gekkel@stmichaels.vic.edu.au / 8530 3474
Music Tutors
Piano
Ms Sarah Chang BMus, GradDipEd schang@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Ms Catherine Connor MMusSt, BMus(Hons) ATCL, ADMT, Cert4TAA cconnor@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Mrs Elizabeth-Anne Nixon MMus, BMus(Hons), LLB(Hons), AMusA(Dist), LTCL enixon@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Mr Geoffrey Scarlett ATCL gscarlett@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Voice
Mr Daniel Brinsmead BMus(Hons), MMus(Choral conducting) dbrinsmead@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Classroom Music Teachers
Mr David Haywood BMus(Hons), DipEd dhaywood@stmichaels.vic.edu.au / 8530 3248
Mr Matthew Trigge BMus, MTeach(Sec) mtrigge@stmichaels.vic.edu.au / 9544 3474
Performing Arts Administrator
Ms Susan Warner performingarts@stmichaels.vic.edu.au / 8530 3251
Ms Stefanie Dingnis BMus, MMus(PerfTeach) sdingnis@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Ms Iris Zavou AMusA, LMusA, BMus, BA(Psych), MTeach(Primary) izavou@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar & Ukulele
Mr Anthony King BA(Music) aking@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar & Percussion
Mr Joshua Fuhrmeister BA, GradDipEd, AdvDip Music Perf, Cert IV TAE jfuhrmeister@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Percussion
Mr Joseph Batrouney BMus(Jazz&Contemp), GradDipTeach(Sec) jbatrouney@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Violin & Viola
Mr Ross Henderson BMus rhenderson@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Cello
Ms Olivia Thorne BA(Arch), BMusPerf(Hons) othorne@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Harp
Ms Glavier Aldana Noriega AdvDipMusicInd(SoundProd), BMus galdananoriega@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Flute & Recorder
Ms Kate Bergen BMus, BEd, DipSuzuki kbergen@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Clarinet & Saxophone
Mr Andrew East DipMus, GradDipMus aeast@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Oboe & Recorder
Ms Amelia Barden BMus, GradDipContMusTech abarden@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba & French horn
Mr Corey Hall chall@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Trumpet
Mr David Haywood BMus(Hons), DipEd dhaywood@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Music Theory
Ms Sarah Chang BMus, GradDipEd schang@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Ms Jennifer Gillan BMus, GradDipEd, MMusStud jgillan@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Mrs Elizabeth-Anne Nixon MMus, BMus(Hons), LLB(Hons), AMusA(Dist), LTCL enixon@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
Composition
Ms Amelia Barden BMus, GradDipContMusTech abarden@stmichaels.vic.edu.au
